Virginia Museum of Natural History

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is a modern facility with multiple exhibition areas displaying fossils, minerals, prehistoric finds, and interactive science experiences. The collections provide an overview of natural history, spanning from ancient times to the present.

The museum was founded in 1984 and received official agency status from the state of Virginia in 1988. Recognition by national organizations reflects its growth into a significant scientific institution.

The collections here document the natural world of Virginia and beyond, serving as a place where visitors can encounter the story of our planet through original objects and specimens. The displays connect scientific research with hands-on learning for all ages.

The museum is accessible and offers age-appropriate displays for visitors to explore at their own pace. Interactive elements allow families and school groups to engage directly with the collections.

The museum houses a remarkably large stromatolite, a stone created by ancient microorganisms that tells the story of their life over millions of years. This rare specimen offers a direct look at Earth's most distant past.

Location: Martinsville

Inception: 1984

Website: https://vmnh.net

GPS coordinates: 36.68660,-79.86330

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02